William Breathes

Multiple Colorado medical marijuana businesses being raided by DEA, IRS

By William Breathes on November 21, 2013 Follow that story, News

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is conducting raids at this writing at multiple marijuana businesses in the Denver area.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver has issued a statement confirming the ongoing operation, which is being conducted by the DEA in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service and the Denver Police Department. Denver Westword sources tell them it’s likely to continue throughout the day and involves a notable number of targets. Click over to The Latest Word blog for more on this constantly-evolving story.

Santa Anna, Calif. MMJ collectives ordered to close or face fines

By William Breathes on November 21, 2013 Medical, News

Santa Ana’s city attorney has apparently sent warning letters to all medical marijuana collectives currently operating in the city. The letters reportedly state that any storefront dispensary must close its doors within 15 days of Nov. 15–basically the end of the month–or else face misdemeanor charges and fines of $1000 per day.

Nick Schou with the OC Weekly has more.

Maine lawmakers decide on fate of legalization proposal today

By William Breathes on November 21, 2013 Legalize It, News

The Maine Legislative Council today will vote on whether or not to allow a measure to be introduced in the coming session that would legalize the possession, cultivation and use of limited amounts of cannabis for adults 21 and up.
Portland Rep. Diane Russell, who introduced the bill and who’s city voted to legalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis earlier this month, says she’s hopeful the measure will move forward.

West Virginia lawmakers drafting medical cannabis bill for 2014 session

By William Breathes on November 21, 2013 Medical, News

After spending their summer recess learning about how other states have done it, West Virginia lawmakers may be ready to consider legalizing medical cannabis.
A state Joint Health Committee (no pun intended) were given copies of the 50-page plan last night in advance of the 2014 legislative session.

American Medical Association (still) opposed to marijuana, but slowly coming around

By William Breathes on November 21, 2013 News

In a move that isn’t at all surprising, the American Medical Association remains opposed to marijuana legalization and maintains that marijuana is a “dangerous drug” in a 19-page report titled “A Contemporary View of National Drug Control Policy”. To be fair, the group also finally admits that the war on drugs has been a complete failure.
The AMA committee on Science and Public Health also told the 527-member AMA House of Delegates in their report that they’ll be watching how recreational marijuana sales and legalization for adults over 21 pans out in the long run.

Cannabis Planet TV airs this Saturday, producers hope to go nationwide in 2014

By William Breathes on November 20, 2013 Culture, News

Robert Platshorn in the 1970s.

Ganja now has a friend in cable television as the new show Cannabis Planet TV debuts on several stations across the United States, including South Florida’s WHDT-TV.
The man who is partly responsible for getting it aired is Palm Beach, Florida pot activist and convicted smuggler Robert Platshorn, who is the program’s media director. Broward-Palm Beach New Times has the full story, and click over to Cannabis Planet TV for channels carrying the show.

Texas cops out collecting “voluntary” blood, saliva and urine samples during lunchtime roadblock

By William Breathes on November 20, 2013 News, Say what?

Last Friday afternoon, Kim Cope was driving along Beach Street in North Fort Worth, Texas on her lunch break when she was stopped at a police roadblock. After being ushered into a nearby parking lot, she was given a menu of options. The cops told her she would be paid $10 for cheek swabs, $50 for a blood sample or she could take a free breathalyzer. She opted for the latter, thinking it was the “easiest way for her to leave”.
Here’s the catch: the tests were voluntary and part of the 2013 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration going on right now. Read more about the tests and what to avoid over at the Dallas Observer.

Pennsylvania senators looking to legalize medical cannabis (sort of)

By William Breathes on November 20, 2013 Medical, News

Wikimedia commons/Michael Plasmeier.

A bipartisan pair of Pennsylvania state senators introduced legislation this week legalizing medical marijuana in that state. Sort of.
Senate Bill 1182 would legalize the production, possession and use of CBD-rich plants oils, tinctures, but otherwise leaves all other cannabinoids basically illegal. Still, the state governor says it won’t happen while he’s in office.

Jamaica’s biggest newspaper wants country to follow Colorado’s pot legalization lead

By William Breathes on November 19, 2013 Global, News

Jamaican sensi.

Jamaica has long been recognized as the globe’s marijuana mecca — a place where a large percentage of the population not only enjoys the plant’s benefits but regards it as a sacrament.
So it’s more than a little surprising to discover an editorial in Jamaica’s largest newspaper calling for the nation’s leaders to emulate officials somewhere else when it comes to pot. The place? Colorado. Denver Westword has the full story.

New Mexico faces medical marijuana shortage

By William Breathes on November 19, 2013 Medical, News

TokeoftheTown.com

Sick medical marijuana patients in New Mexico are finding it harder and harder to get access to medical cannabis, according to a newly released information from a survey conducted by the New Mexico Department of Health. Medical marijuana producers have also begun rationing to the patients they do serve.
The Albuquerque Journal, which first received the report after filing a records request with the state, says that some patients have been turning back to non-medical and less-legal cannabis providers.

Author William Breathes